I have just discoverd that I should not be allowed anywhere near an umbrella!

Just trying to open one - I nearly lost three fingers! (slight dramatisation.) And then theres the lovely, pointy, metal spikes on the inside of the material, perfect for poking an eye out! I find it incredibly hard to actually push the umbrella up, to open it out. I don't think I bought a very dyspraxic-friendly umbrella. If one exisits? Or maybe we are just destined to get drenched.

I'm OK with opening umbrellas-it's closing them that's the problem for me. I never seem to get it right and it explodes open again, usually right in my face! I also struggle to keep hold of them, especially when it's windy. I rarely use them though-I usually just use the hood on my jacket or hoodie to cover my head when it's raining.

I have to use umbrellas all the time nowadays with the terrible weather 'up north' (it's far nicer in the south!) But, like you, I have all kinds of problems with them! Mine always end up getting blown away and broken or lost.

I don't have a personal problem with umbrellas however i find it hard avoiding those holding umbrellas my ex girlfriend poking me in the eyes a few times it hurts i swear everyone holds umbrellas eye level when walking past me so i don't have time to react or im too slow one of the two

Once, my friend was mucking about with an umbrella, and, in order to defend the guy I liked, I stepped in front and instead I got poked in the eye. It killed but the hug and the 'You're my best friend' from the guy was worth it. I can't hold umbrellas very well and I often get injured, eg. getting poked in the eye and hitting my own head.

^ That's my umbrella. I just love the funny looks I get with it and trust me, no one comes near me when I have it with me especially when it's folded down as it does from a distance look like a proper sword!

I find I have more trouble with other people and their umbrellas, some people are deadly with them! I've been jabbed in the neck before by the metal spike parts, not nice!